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Pope Leo to visit Angola as part of an Africa tour, Vatican envoy says
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 13, 2026
Pope Leo Set to Visit Angola During Africa Tour, Says Vatican Envoy
Pope Leo's Planned Visit to Angola
LUANDA/VATICAN CITY, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Pope Leo plans to visit Angola as part of a multi-nation trip across Africa, the Vatican's ambassador to the country announced on Tuesday, in what could be the pontiff's first overseas trip in 2026.
Details of the Invitation
Archbishop Kryspin Dubiel, the Vatican's envoy, told journalists at a briefing in Luanda that Leo had accepted an invitation from President Joao Lourenco to visit, but the date and other details had yet to be decided.
Previous Papal Visits to Africa
"The Holy Father has accepted the invitation … (but) we are currently in the process of preparing the plan and programme," said Dubiel.
Future Travel Plans
The Vatican press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Leo, elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis as head of the Catholic Church, has made only one overseas trip so far, visiting Turkey and Lebanon in November and December.
The pope said in a December press conference that he wished to visit Africa but did not mention Angola. Leo, a member of the Augustinian religious order, said he wanted to visit Algeria, birthplace of St. Augustine of Hippo.
The last papal trip to Africa was in 2023, when Francis visited Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. Pope Benedict XVI was the last pontiff to visit Angola, in 2009.
Leo, the first U.S. pope, previously travelled to Africa many times as a cardinal and the head of his religious order.
Another trip Leo is expected to make in 2026 is to Spain and to the Canary Islands, which has become a major point of entry for migrants trying to get to Europe. A Spanish cardinal told reporters at the Vatican last week that the trip is in the planning phase.
(Reporting by Miguel Gomes in Luanda and Joshua McElwee in Vatican CityEditing by Frances Kerry)
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Leo to visit Angola as part of an Africa tour, Vatican envoy says
1What is a Vatican envoy?
A Vatican envoy is a representative of the Vatican, often an ambassador, who is sent to another country to manage diplomatic relations and promote the interests of the Catholic Church.
2What is a papal visit?
A papal visit refers to the journey made by the Pope to different countries, where he engages with local communities, promotes peace, and addresses various social and spiritual issues.
3What is the significance of papal visits to Africa?
Papal visits to Africa are significant as they highlight the Catholic Church's commitment to the continent, addressing issues such as poverty, social justice, and promoting peace among diverse communities.
4What is the role of the Pope?
The Pope serves as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, guiding its followers, making doctrinal decisions, and representing the Church in international matters.
